AR Magazines PMAG, USGI, Premium Metal?

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mini15

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Got some questions about some of the more popular options for magazines. I'm talking stock 5/30 mags here, no LAR, .50 Beowulf, etc...

Most claim PMags to be the best thing bar none. Their track record is impressive and youtube reliability tests seem to show their superiority. Even so, most people find USGI metal mags to be fine if purchased from a good company.

There are also "Premium" USGI mags, like E-Lander or H&K USGI style magazines, these are more expensive then the PMag, in the case of H&K mags, sometimes double the price. Are these any better?

From some internet research it seems these "Premium" metal mags don't really offer anything over standard USGI mags, let alone cheaper Pmags. What gives with these magazines then?
 
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Its called gouging and its how business is done in Canada. Pmags are by far the best magazines available for the ar fow. Others are good but lack reliability, durability, weigh more or cost a lot.

Tdc
 
TDC said:
Its called gouging and its how business is done in Canada. Pmags are by far the best magazines available for the ar fow. Others are good but lack reliability, durability, weigh more or cost a lot.

Tdc
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Even so, without Canada in the equasion. E-Landers or H&K mags along with all the others "premium" metal mags cost more. I'd hate to think the consumer would be so blind but how exactly are these other guys selling grossly more expensive mags if a Pmag is superior in every way. Is there no conceivable downside? I do a lot of shooting in the cold, do Pmags hold up as well?
 
The "premium" mags are made of steel as opposed to aluminum, hence the difference in cost. PMags are about the same price/cheaper here because of supply and demand. I know when I get an AR, I plan to have a variety of USGI and polymer mags.
 
Frankly, unless you have a gun that requires a variation on the theme, I don't see bothering with anything but Pmags. As TDC noted, all of the other mags out there require some kind of compromise. E Landers are great, in a dire emergency you could beat someone to death with them, but they weigh a whole lot more than 2 or 3 Pmags and really, if you already have an AR, beating someone to death is probably not on the menu..
 
Down south USGI mags are found everywhere and are pretty cheap and they work. That's why they're so popular. Pmags were more expensive (but have come down quite a bit...as low as $8.50 for Gen2's, down south not here). The expensive steel mags (like HK) are absolutely beautiful in their construction (I have some). Spotless welds, impeccable finish...lots of guys don't want to spend that kind of money for mags they'll be dropping/banging up. An inexpensive alternative is the Israeli copy of the HK416 mag (NOT E-Lander). Close to being on par with the HK (not as nice finish) but less than half the price...found only with the Tavor. One caveat is they're heavier (lucky for me as guys want to unload them)

I'd recommend sticking with what works for you. I have a mixture of all types ranging from USGI (NHMTG, Colt, etc.) to Lancer/Pmag/HK Polymer to HK/Tavor steel. Depends on which rifle I'm using as to which mags I'll use. They all have their use and price point. Is one better than another...not necessarily (for me) as I don't depend on them with my life.

Funny thing...what I am liking quite a bit lately is USGI mags with Magpul L-plates (replacing the base plate). No particular reason other than esthetics and easier to grip (for me).
 
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I'm sure personal preference plays a role to some. I think GI mags look better then PMAG's. I prefer GI mags for that reason, but like both.

When the GI mags have the Anti-tilt follower they are a good functioning mag, if not, GI mags aren't really that good compared to PMAG's. So you may find some cheap GI mags but will maybe need to put a few more bucks into it (Magpul followers and ranger plates for good measure).

I like PMAG's, but the Gen2 ones only. Have stippled some bodies and it really adds texture that's useful (and looks good), so more customization can be done to PMAG's. They also seem to be more durable when being run over by a vehicle. The new Gen3 PMAG's kinda piss me off with the tabs that sit below the mag-well. Not sure the benefit for this new feature but it caused problems in open mag pouches that I have (had to shove the mag in to get past these tabs). Also the extra ranger plates I had weren't compatible on Gen3 mags. For this reason I got rid of all my Gen3's.

Both are good, GI's have been proven over decades (even better with upgrades), PMAG's new tech is leading the way. A good price for any mag is a good reason to buy it, cant go wrong with either!
 
I only have some metal and USGI aluminum mags both old milsurp and new ones with the Magpul follower upgrade. I found out about PMAGs here on the forum ... otherwise would likely not even know about them.

Will acquire some PMAGs since I am interested on account of the positive reviews and seemingly being the preferred choice. Was inclined on the next greatest GEN 3 but as the post above by MBAKER it seems GEN 2 might be the better choice. I suppose GEN 4 will be available in the near future ...
 
mini15 said:
Even so, without Canada in the equasion. E-Landers or H&K mags along with all the others "premium" metal mags cost more. I'd hate to think the consumer would be so blind but how exactly are these other guys selling grossly more expensive mags if a Pmag is superior in every way. Is there no conceivable downside? I do a lot of shooting in the cold, do Pmags hold up as well?
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The over priced mags sell because of fanboy followings and ignorance(often the two are connected). As mentioned, if your rifle has an out of spec magwell and won't accept pmags, then USGI mags may be your answer.

TDC
 
What are some good brands of USGI mags that can be readily had in Canada?

I would like to purchase some magazines with the good anti-tilt followers already in them. Apparently the newer USGI ones with "tan" anti-tilt followers are the good stuff. Anyone got a 20 on those? Are they as good as Magpul followers?

If I can't get those I'll purchase the ASC ones from Questar and do the Magpul follower swap out. Although I wouldn't mind purchasing some magazines with the good anti-tilt followers already in them.
 
mini15 said:
What are some good brands of USGI mags that can be readily had in Canada?

I would like to purchase some magazines with the good anti-tilt followers already in them. Apparently the newer USGI ones with "tan" anti-tilt followers are the good stuff. Anyone got a 20 on those? Are they as good as Magpul followers?

If I can't get those I'll purchase the ASC ones from Questar and do the Magpul follower swap out. Although I wouldn't mind purchasing some magazines with the good anti-tilt followers already in them.
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SFRC has DH mags, which as far as metal mags go seem to be some of the better ones. $160 for a ten pack aint bad either.
 
I hate the look of Pmags, but they sure have solved nearly any issues I have ever had with an AR platform … went a whole week shooting frang (which sucks) without a single issue…just get a few of the other mags for looks, I thing the black CF/USGI mags looked the best.
 
I've had really good luck with basic Gen-2 (or gen-3) Pmags.

I got one of the E-Lander heavy carbon steel mags, and it's built like a tank, but doesn't feed any better or worse than a Pmag. Also tested some of the C-Products stainless steel mags, but from what I have heard they wear out a lot quicker.

Realistically standard USGI mags (newer with anti-tilt follower) will work just fine, especially as we're not loading a mag more than 5 rounds for standard rifle mags.


If you can get a good price on Pmags or USGI, either should work fine! IMHO USGI mags fit into mag pouches a lot nicer than Pmags do!
 
Don't want to hi-jack the OP's thread but i got a quick question that's related. For the Tavor owners, what mags do you find work the best? Pmags (if so, what gen?), usgi's, lar or?
 
Dorian Gray said:
Don't want to hi-jack the OP's thread but i got a quick question that's related. For the Tavor owners, what mags do you find work the best? Pmags (if so, what gen?), usgi's, lar or?
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Gen 3 Pmags, or the magpul Emag run best in the tavor, I've never ran lancers but apparently they run well too.
 
Cost/ benefit involved?

PMAG gen 2 or 3.... bar none.

Near flawless reliability, pretty damn close to indestructible from impact, crush, and chemical abuse, around $20.00 each, and thanks to the buying spree in the states and the consequent mass production, available everywhere now.

Why bother with products that boast less impressive stats for more money? If you have your eyes set one something that catches your eye due to the looks, by all means go for it I guess, but you are paying more for less in my opinion.
 
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